Job Description
Apply now
Req Id:  37220
Job Title:  Research Technician - Vegetable Pathology
City:  Vincennes
Job Description: 

Job Summary

The Department of Botany and Plant Pathology is seeking a Research Technician. In this role, you will work directly with faculty and graduate students to implement field trials of vegetable crops at the Southwest Purdue Ag Center. Under close supervision, you will support researchers in scheduling and operating the field equipment fleet used for field preparation, plot layout, planting, disease scouting, pesticide applications, and crop harvesting. In addition, you will collect research data related to field trials, assist in sample processing and data collection for laboratory analysis and prepare materials for the isolation and analysis of plant pathogens under close supervision of faculty.

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Working under close supervision and primarily following pre-determined processes to achieve daily objectives and execute solutions that contribute to the overall success of field research efforts
  • Participating during the planning, preparation and implementation phases for complex field research trials
  • Setting up and calibrating equipment to meet expectations of research protocols
  • Documenting equipment calibrations, setup, and settings
  • Communicating with faculty regarding field and lab equipment issues
  • Facilitating equipment maintenance, modifications, and repairs to meet operational standards as well as specific needs to implement research trials
  • Initiating alternative solutions when original ideas are not feasible
  • Following all safety recommendations and procedures
  • Fostering a positive work environment that encourages collaboration, teamwork, responsible work ethic, and synergies of staff
  • Participating in planning, preparing, and coordinating research plots
  • Assisting with data collection and archiving of data from field and laboratory research
  • Utilizing computers to collect and transfer data, calculating solutions, and communicating ideas including Microsoft Office software including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Participating and completing continuing education regarding technology and procedures related to job responsibilities
  • Maintaining a safe work environment for coworkers and others

What We're Looking For:

  • Associate’s degree within an Agronomics major: Agronomy, Ag Systems Management, Agribusiness/Management, Plant Pathology, or related field
  • 1 year of field experience
  • In lieu of degree, an equivalent combination of education and experience will be accepted (HS/GED + 3 years of experience)
  • Experience with setup, repair, modification and maintenance of certain field and lab equipment.
  • Ability to obtain certification and/or licensing in regulated areas as needed (example: Possess or have the ability to acquire a Cat 1 pesticide applicator license within 1 year of hire date)
  • Ability to operate a vehicle
  • Become approved to drive Purdue University vehicles

What We'd Like You to Know:

  • This position is located in Vincennes, IN
  • Learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary
  • Purdue will not sponsor work authorization for this position.
  • A background check is required for employment in this position
  • FLSA:  Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime)
  • Retirement:  Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan
  • Purdue University is an EEO/AA employer.  All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply

 

When you join Purdue University, you join a community that keeps moving forward. For more than 150 years, we’ve been known for not only our groundbreaking work in STEM research, but also for our collective imagination, ingenuity and innovation.

Career Stream

Administrative and Operational Support 1

Pay Band S035
Link to Purdue University's compensation guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php
Job Code #20003399
Link to Career Path Maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

*Effective August 1, Purdue implemented a new background screen policy: any internal transfer will receive a new background screen if one has not been run within the last year.

Who We Are:

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.


EO/AA:

Purdue University is an EO/AA university.
Apply now
Posting Start Date:  5/13/25